Hunting Season Roundup

The hunting season is just around the corner. It's time to sight in the rifle, get out and shoot the bow and ready the ATV. Yes, ATVs are wonderfully bulletproof, but they do need a bit of attention. Whether you'll be chasing whitetails, bugling elk or going after bear, this month's column has a tip or two to get you ready for the season.

Basic Maintenance
Change the oil, clean the air filter, check the tire pressure and give your ATV a good bolt inspection. Put the machine on a stand and wiggle the wheels and axles to make sure the wheel and suspension linkage bearings are tight.

This is also a great time to look at the wear level on your tires. Are the knobs rounded off or ground to the nub? If so, it's time to upgrade. If you are looking for improved traction, check out the aftermarket, which offers lots of good options. Unless you are hunting in mud bogs, choose a tread pattern that is not a lot more aggressive than stock. Heavy lugs look great and are terrific in the muck, but they often make the machine steer heavier and increase trail damage.

A key check is your exhaust pipe. Look it over for rust holes, and if it's leaking and overly loud, replace it with one of the quiet aftermarket units. A loud exhaust on a hunting machine messes up your hunt (and everyone else's).

What's in Your Box?
You already have a storage box on your rig, right? If you don't like the big ones on the rear of the machine, consider one of the low-profile models for the front. Then double-check your stash--I keep a tow strap, a flat kit, duct tape, PowerBars, a simple tool kit and a light in mine. Did you check the flashlight batteries?

Hunt Responsibly
ATVs are great hunting vehicles, but there are those who oppose their use. The best way to fight that opposition is to operate ATVs wisely, and set an example for those around you.

* Pay attention to signs, and only use the ATV in areas that are designated for ORV use. Check local regulations, and invest in proper maps (forest service, topographic and the like) that show public and private property. As far as the law is concerned, you are responsible for knowing whether the land you are on is public or private.
* Take special care to avoid trespassing on private land.

* Rather than blazing a new trail through the brush to retrieve an animal, take the time to drag it out to the road or an existing trail.
* Be respectful when you run into other hunters.
* Whatever the access rules, stay out of swampy, muddy marshes and meadows in which your machine will do extensive trail damage to cross. Yes, mudding is good fun, but save that for designated riding areas. When hunting, cross the land with minimal damage and focus on the hunt.
* Drive into the hunting area before hunting hours open, and walk on foot during season hours. This will increase your chance of success and minimize disturbance to the area.
* Keep your weapon in a scabbard or case. This will protect it from mud and dust, and is required by law in most states.

If you are seeking a wealth of good information about responsible hunting use of ATVs, visit the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council web site (www.nohvcc.org; do search for "hunting" in the "Library" section).

Get Blind
Ever dream of hunting right off the back of your ATV? If that's your thing, KL Industries has a new option for you with its Quad Track 'N Hunt. For those who don't move around as easily, an on-ATV hunting blind is a pretty slick option. The Quad Track 'N Hunt goes anywhere an ATV can go. It sets up in minutes suspended off the rear cargo rack and leaves the rack free and clear for game and gear. Made of water-resistant nylon, the Quad Track 'N Hunt has three shooting ports, back support and built-in gun holders, and is all packaged in a plastic box that can be removed during the off-season. Retail price is $499, and the unit is available directly from KL Industries or at your favorite ATV parts retailer.

If you prefer to set up your stand some distance away from your ATV, consider KL Industries' Hunt 'N Hut, a slick-looking portable freestanding blind that folds down into a package about the size of a bow case. The company also offers portable ice shacks, both tow-behind and those that mount right to your ATV.